Pastoral Care
A Place to Belong
The House System at Great Southern Grammar
At Great Southern Grammar, we know that learning is about more than just academics; it is about feeling safe, known and inspired. That is why our House system is such a cherished part of school life. It is where friendships are formed, confidence is built and every student finds their place in something bigger than themselves.
From the moment a student joins GSG, they become part of one of our four Houses: Camfield, Wilson, Mokare, or Baudin. Each of our Houses have their own identity and sense of belonging, which is cultivated by the Head of House, Homeroom teachers and student leaders.
Each House is a community filled with warmth, encouragement and shared purpose. They bring together students from Years Seven to Twelve, creating a family-like environment where older students guide and support younger ones and every voice matters.
Our Houses compete for the Malacari Shield in events such as our Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals. There is also a range of House activities on every Wednesday during our Values and Christian Service programme (VaCS), where students get to try new things under the banners of Service, Arts and Culture, Sport and Clubs. Affectionately known as VaCS, students work in House groups across a range of activities.
In VaCS, it is not about the activities themselves as much as it is about expanding your comfort zone by trying new things, working in teams, showing resilience, doing your best and building relationships with a wide range of people.
What It Means for Your Child
Belonging
Every student is welcomed into a House where they are known by name, valued for who they are and surrounded by peers and mentors who care.
Leadership and Growth
Through House activities, students discover their strengths, step into leadership roles and learn to lift others up, all while growing in character and confidence.
Joyful Experiences
From spirited carnivals to creative challenges and service projects, House events are moments of joy, pride and connection that stay with students for life.
Support and Care
Houses offer a nurturing space where students feel supported, emotionally, socially and spiritually, as they navigate their journey from childhood to young adulthood.
Connection to Place and Culture
Our Houses reflect the rich heritage of our region, including the Menang Noongar people and help students develop a deep respect for culture, community and the land we share.
At GSG, our House system is more than a tradition; it is a living expression of our values. It is where students learn to lead with integrity, care deeply for others and discover the joy of being part of something meaningful. It is one of the many ways we help every young person create their impact.
Student Support
At Great Southern Grammar, we believe that true learning flourishes when students feel safe, supported and deeply connected. Wellbeing is not an add-on, it is woven into the fabric of our school culture and grounded in our values of Respect, Integrity, Courage and Compassion.
Our holistic approach to student care nurtures the emotional, mental, spiritual and social development of every child. Through a dedicated team, including our School Counsellor, School Chaplain, Wellness Dog Programme and Indigenous Student Support Officers, we ensure that each student is known, valued and empowered to thrive.
School Counsellor – Nurturing Emotional Growth and Resilience
Sheryl Moncur |
School Counsellor and Mental Health First Aid Australia/International Instructor
I support and guide individuals who encounter personal, social, or psychological challenges and help them to manage these issues, build their skill set and improve their well-being. I also deliver Mental Health First Aid courses for the GSG and beyond community: YouthMHFA, Older Persons MHFA, teenMHFA, Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Conversations about Suicide, Blended YouthMHFA, Refresher for YouthMHFA
I’ve had the privilege of supporting our students at GSG as School Counsellor since 2007 and prior to that I was Head of Senior School and Coordinator of the English Dept from 2001.
At Great Southern Grammar, we believe that every student deserves to feel safe, known and cared for. My role is to provide a confidential and welcoming space where students can talk openly about their thoughts, feelings and experiences. Whether they’re facing friendship issues, academic pressures, family changes, or personal struggles, I’m here to listen, guide and empower. I consider my work with our young people to be couched in compassion, positive regard and safety.
Through one-on-one sessions, group workshops and collaboration with families and staff, I help students build emotional resilience, develop self-awareness and discover their inner strengths. My approach is grounded in ACT, narrative and Rogerian modalities.
Wellbeing is woven into the fabric of our school. It’s not just about support, it’s about fostering agency, belonging and joy. I’m proud to be part of a community that places such high value on holistic care and invests deeply in the growth of every child.
School Chaplain – Spiritual Care and Connection
Levi Cosh | Chaplain
Rooted in our Christian tradition, my role is to nurture the spiritual life of our school community and support students in discovering meaning, purpose and belonging.
Through chapel services, reflective practices and one-on-one pastoral care, I walk alongside students as they explore life’s big questions, celebrate milestones, and navigate challenges with courage and compassion.
It’s a joy and a privilege to be part of a community that places such deep value on connection, kindness and the flourishing of every child.
Wellbeing Dog Programme
Led by Lisa Sounness
Our Wellbeing Dog Programme brings trained dogs onsite regularly to offer comfort, companionship and a calming presence to students across all year levels.
Students can interact with the dogs during scheduled visits, wellbeing sessions, or simply enjoy their presence around campus. These gentle companions help students feel more at ease, especially during times of stress or transition.
Whether it’s a quiet cuddle, a wagging tail, or a shared walk, our therapy dogs remind us that wellbeing can be nurtured in many forms and that sometimes, the best kind of support comes on four paws.
Indigenous Student Support – Connection, Culture and Care
Lewis Ward | Indigenous Student Support Officer and
Madi van der List | Indigenous Student Support Officer / Teacher
At Great Southern Grammar our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are supported and cared for through the connection of Lewis Ward and Madi van der List, our Indigenous Student Support Officers.
Lewis and Madi are here to help students feel proud of who they are and where they come from. They offer support with wellbeing, learning and culture. Whether that’s checking in during class, having a yarn in their shared office space, or helping students stay connected to their communities. They also work closely with families, elders and scholarship providers Yalari and Madalah to make sure every student feels safe, respected and ready to thrive.
Students come from all over Australia, Lewis and Madi make sure each one feels at home here. They’re also helping to shape cultural change at GSG to reflect our commitment to reconciliation and our strategic strength of PLACE - honouring Menang Noongar boodja guided by local elders and young leaders. As a part of this strategy, Lewis and Madi coordinate events such as NAIDOC Week at GSG, cultural activities and special projects in collaboration with Aboriginal-led programs from Perth and the Great Southern Region.
Lewis is a Noongar man with a strong connection to Menang country. Lewis brings experience working with disengaged youth across the Great Southern region, supporting improved outcomes in education, employment and health, with a strong focus on cultural connection and empowerment.
Madi grew up in Wajuk country in Rockingham. Madi has lived across Australia working with MADALAH Scholarship schools, Aboriginal artists and art centres supporting intergenerational projects and curating developmental programs that reflect the vision of communities to create strong, young, cultural leaders.
Together, they help students grow in confidence, take charge of their learning and feel proud of their identity.
At GSG, we believe every student deserves to be known, valued and celebrated and Lewis and Madi help make that happen every day.
Great Southern Grammar acknowledges that the land upon which we learn, play and grow is Menang land, whose traditional custodians are the Noongar people. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge that their sovereignty was never ceded.